1.8L CIS K-Jetronic injection problems

Anonymous · 24-07-2005, 08:03 PM

Thought I'd consult the brains trust before committing to a new fuel pump. What do you guys make of these sypmtoms? This I've worked out so far.

1 something causes the fuel pump to draw a lot of current and blow it's fuse.

2 sometimes it rights itself and a new fuse (15A) gets it going.

3 Sometimes it doesn't! You can hear the pump trying to spin but it seems stuck and draws a heap of current in this state. Nearly burnt out the wiring proving this.

Here's what I've checked.
1 Wiring loom to pump for shorts along the run.
2 Removed and bench tested (dry run) the pump, seems fine perhaps noisy.
3 checked fuel accumulator (next in line gadget from pump) seems fine, not blocked.
4 Replaced fuel filter, old one seemed restrictive and well past use by date in any case.
5 blown out fuel line to engine bay.

Questions
Could this be caused by something other than the pump itself? If the fuel distributor was not returning fuel to the tank properly would the pump stall or just spin away merrily? If so what would be the other symptoms of the regulator blocking up? Wouldn't that cause too much fuel pressure at the injectors and some pretty eratic running?

The car runs fine when the pump is working.

I've had these pumps fail in my Porsche 924s but the symptoms were different they'd just stick and a light tap would get them started.

Engine prefix GX
1800 K-jetronic CIS and electronic ignition.
Fuel pump 0580 254 980

Thoughts?
Comments?
Wisdom?

Thanks in advance
Pete Jones

**Peter Jones** · 24-07-2005, 08:05 PM

I was sure I was logged in when I typed all that out. Doh!

Pete Jones

syncro · 24-07-2005, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Questions
Could this be caused by something other than the pump itself? If the fuel distributor was not returning fuel to the tank properly would the pump stall or just spin away merrily? If so what would be the other symptoms of the regulator blocking up?

Sounds like there could be a restriction at the fuel distributor end. I think that there is strainer hidden in there somewhere.

20v kit car · 24-07-2005, 08:45 PM

Just as phil suggested there is astrainer near the fuel dist head...remove and throw to the shi house..its located in the line coming in..like two screw fitting .....good idea to check at the fuel tank pickup end..have seen forgien materials cause restricted pickup..good luck be careful of dry running pumps for too long as they are fuel cooled and lubricated..cheers steve

**roccodingo** · 25-07-2005, 12:06 AM

If you have a remote pump switch, disconnect the fuel line at the fuel filter inlet, activate the pump briefly and see if there is heaps of fuel flowing. be prepared for juice going everywhere tho...then move along the fuel path till you find the point of restriction...

**Peter Jones** · 25-07-2005, 07:58 PM

Thanks Grant I'll try that. I'm pretty sure every things ok up to the fuel distributor but perhaps the return path is blocked. I'll get back to you all after the weekend, I don't get much of a chance during he week to get out to the garage much.

Thanks for the input
Pete Jones

**Roscoe** · 26-07-2005, 05:43 PM

If it is drawing that much current I would say it has had it, even with the fuel return blocked off completely I wouldn't expect that. If the pump is noisy in the car it could be that you have a lift pump in the tank that is not working. Not sure what car you have? That will put excess load on the pump as it tries to draw fuel from the tank.

syncro · 26-07-2005, 05:59 PM

Not all of them have lift pumps.
It may be sucking a bit of air also.

**Peter Jones** · 26-07-2005, 10:07 PM

No lift pump. The car's a '79 GLD Mk1 with the original diesel tank. The motor is an 1800 8V K-Jetronic. GX prefix (1985-1988 Golf Jetta?????). Yeah I would have thought that with the fuel line blocked off it would still spin and just sit there cavitating and not draw much more than usual. Just want to make sure I'm not barking up the wrong tree!

Pete

syncro · 27-07-2005, 03:58 PM

Originally Posted by Peter Jones

Yeah I would have thought that with the fuel line blocked off it would still spin and just sit there cavitating and not draw much more than usual. Just want to make sure I'm not barking up the wrong tree!

Pete

If it cavitates it will overheat as the fuel is also for cooling.